Welcome to Episode 11 of Calmer Journeys.

This podcast was inspired by a recent trip to Hurghada in Egypt and the journey through the Sahara Desert.

As we approach 2026, I invite you to think about where you are today on your journey in life.

Maybe it feels like you’re in the middle of a hot desert.

Maybe all you can see outside your view feels barren, dry, and desolate.

This is a moment to pause and find relief.

Desert spaces ask us to be present, even when we cannot see our way. Here too, we can choose to pay attention.

Our deserts teach us how to live with less.

Our rivers teach us how to flow.

We can find our way, no matter how deep, dark, or desolate we feel today.

Thank you for listening.

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Visit my art website at www.calmerjourneys.com

Do the mountains looming before you seem too high? Or the chasms so wide between where you are and where you want to be?

Today, let's remember: Life's journey is walked in a series of small steps.

All you have to do is take one after another.

Calmer Journeys offers moments of rest for your mind, featuring one short and soothing guided meditation.

Created by Nikki Martinez with sound design by Heywire Studios.

Ever noticed how your voice changes when you’re stressed? Tight throat, shaky words, rushed sentences?

Or maybe, how your voice is the first point of release – a loud exhale, a scream, a sigh when you’re exasperated?

Your Voice carries so many emotions! When you need a moment of calm, it can also be the vehicle to carry you there.

Your voice isn’t just a tool—it’s a vehicle for calm, clarity, and confidence. Your breath is like an anchor that steadies your voice and soothes your body.

Have you ever used your breath to reset before a big moment?

Wherever life is taking you today, choose this moment for your mind. Come back to your breath; listen to your voice.

Thank you for sharing this moment with me on Calmer Journeys!

Are you feeling tired from the thousand things that call your attention today? Then come with me on a journey to rest. Set down your heavy burden, allow your body to relax. If you are in a space where it is safe to do so, then close your eyes, as we drift to dreamland, and let the cares of the day fade away.

There is a space inside of you where you can let yourself feel the strength of rest. The simple joy of knowing it is okay to let calm guide your way.

One moment of stillness and silence can be an inward journey to calm. If you feel like there's so much going on in your mind, let's pause together.

This is an invitation to put down the burdens that weigh on your heart today, and give yourself time and space to breathe.

Dear Friends, when was the last time you celebrated yourself?

You don't have to wait for other's approval or their affirmations. Today, remind yourself of every single path you have walked--alone, or with others.

Look back at how far you have come—the mountains scaled, the oceans crossed, the hurdles you leaped all those days.

Take a deep breath, and gift yourself the gift of this moment: gratitude for getting this far!

Thank you for listening!

Love,

Nikki

Dear Friends, one of the hardest things to do on our journey through life is, to stop and rest. Our minds are always busy; our hearts seem never silent.

This episode of Calmer Journeys was written for anyone going through a period of physical recovery.

Rest—deep rest—is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. If you only have five minutes to pause, please permit yourself to rest.

Thank you for listening.

Love,

Nikki